Python rescued after escaping and causing chaos

By Elizabeth Hunter via SWNS

A python has been rescued after escaping into an art gallery - and causing chaos for two whole hours.

Bodhi, a female pet reticulated python, was discovered in charity-run art gallery and shop Studio 1 in Banchory, Aberdeenshire - after escaping from her owner's flat above the shop.

The python had slipped through a vent in owner Martin's apartment - falling through the gallery bathroom and slithering around the shop, knocking items off shelves as she went.

Gallery and shop manager Viv Kerridge, 40, described receiving the call alerting her to the possibility of a python in the building.

"I got a rather panicky message from my boss, asking if my phone number could be passed on to a man who thinks his snake might be lost in the shop," she said.

"She had been helped by her owner to shed her skin, and he’d set her down in the flat.

"She had a slither around and found a vent which he didn’t know was there.

"She disappeared into the wall cavity between the flats and the shop, and he absolutely panicked.

"He was looking outside, trying to work out where the vents go and if he could knock on his neighbours’ doors to ask if they’d seen her.

"Fortunately, he walked past the shop, looked in the window, and noticed that it was messier than usual and wondered if that’s where she’d ended up.

Luckily, the incident occurred outside of working hours, so Viv was able to race to the gallery and let Martin in to retrieve his beloved pet.

Armed with snake handling tools, Martin was able to quickly catch Bodhi - and he has now blocked the vent in his flat to prevent any future escapes.

Viv and the other gallery staff were thrilled to reunite Martin with Bodhi - and say she's now welcome back to visit any time.

"He found her – after trashing our shop, she’d fallen asleep in a cupboard!" said Viv.

"It must have been two hours between her wriggling off and her being found.

"I was quite delighted – I love snakes!

Of course, I was worried she’d hurt herself, but I knew nobody was in any danger. She’s not a venomous or dangerous snake at all.

"We were all so relieved – she’s a beloved pet and Martin was so relieved that she was fine, and that we’d located her.

"We’ve all fallen in love with this snake – she’s absolutely beautiful and she can come and visit anytime.

"I think it shows what a lovely community we’ve got, that we all came together and helped reunite the snake and owner."